Name: Butter Tarts Canadian Treat: 12 Irresistible Variations
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: For the Pastry:; 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup cold water; For the Filling:; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup corn syrup; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Optional: 1/2 cup raisins or chopped pecans/walnuts

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Butter Tarts Canadian Treat is a quintessential sweet pastry that has delighted Canadians for generations. These little tarts are sweet, gooey, and utterly irresistible, making them a staple in Canadian dessert recipes. The buttery crust holds a luscious filling that can be customized with raisins, pecans, or enjoyed in its purest form. As we delve into the world of butter tarts, you’ll discover not only how to make them but also why they hold a special place in Canadian hearts.

Why You’ll Love This Butter Tarts Canadian Treat

There are countless reasons to fall in love with these butter tarts. First, they are incredibly simple to make, making them an excellent choice for both novice and seasoned bakers. Second, the versatility of butter tarts means you can experiment with flavors; think maple butter tarts or pecan butter tarts. Third, they evoke the nostalgia of traditional Canadian desserts, bringing warmth and comfort to every bite. Additionally, these sweet delights are perfect for gatherings or family dinners, ensuring everyone will be asking for seconds!

Ingredients for Butter Tarts Canadian Treat

Gather these items:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup cold water
1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional: 1/2 cup raisins or chopped pecans/walnuts

How to Make Butter Tarts Canadian Treat Step-by-Step

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
Step 2: Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 3: Add Sugar: Stir in the granulated sugar.
Step 4: Add Water: Gradually add the cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.
Step 5: Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
Step 6: Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. If using, fold in the raisins or nuts.
Step 7: Preheat: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 8: Roll the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry dough to about 1/8 inch thick.
Step 9: Cut and Place in Tins: Use a round cutter to cut out circles of dough and place them into a greased muffin tin or tart pan, pressing gently to fit.
Step 10: Fill with Mixture: Pour the filling mixture into each pastry shell, filling them about 3/4 full to allow for expansion.
Step 11: Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the tops are lightly browned.
Step 12: Cool: Allow the butter tarts to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 13: Serve: Enjoy your butter tarts warm or at room temperature!

Pro Tips for the Best Butter Tarts Canadian Treat

Keep these in mind:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
These tarts can be made ahead of time and served later.
Experiment with different fillings if desired, such as butter tarts with raisins or mini butter tarts.
Make sure to preheat your oven for even baking.

Best Ways to Serve Butter Tarts Canadian Treat

For the ultimate dessert experience, serve your butter tarts with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They also pair beautifully with fresh berries or a drizzle of maple syrup to enhance their sweetness. These tarts make for an excellent centerpiece at any dessert table, especially when showcasing various flavors like maple butter tarts or traditional butter tarts.

How to Store and Reheat Butter Tarts Canadian Treat

To keep your butter tarts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them later, you can refrigerate them. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will restore their delightful gooeyness and warm buttery flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Butter Tarts Canadian Treat

What’s the secret to perfect Butter Tarts Canadian Treat?

The secret lies in balancing the filling ingredients, ensuring the right consistency, and using a flaky pastry crust. Pay attention to baking time; overbaking can lead to hard tarts, while underbaking keeps them gooey, which is perfect!

Can I make Butter Tarts Canadian Treat ahead of time?

Absolutely! These tarts can be prepared ahead of time and stored. Just bake them, let them cool, and then refrigerate. They also freeze well if you want to make a larger batch!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Butter Tarts Canadian Treat?

To avoid mistakes, ensure your butter is cold when making the dough, and don’t overmix it. When adding the filling, fill the tarts just enough to allow for expansion. Following the baking time and temperature closely is also crucial.

Variations of Butter Tarts Canadian Treat You Can Try

There are numerous delicious variations to explore. Consider making maple butter tarts for a unique twist, or try pecan butter tarts for a nutty flavor. You can also create mini butter tarts for bite-sized delights or incorporate flavors like chocolate or coconut. The possibilities are endless!

For more dessert ideas, check out our latest recipes or explore delicious pancake variations. If you’re interested in baking techniques, learn how to make gingerbread cookies for the holidays!

Butter Tarts Canadian Treat: 12 Irresistible Variations

Author: basmer
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Butter Tarts: A Classic Canadian Treat

Instructions

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Add Sugar: Stir in the granulated sugar.
Add Water: Gradually add the cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.
Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. If using, fold in the raisins or nuts.
Preheat: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry dough to about 1/8 inch thick.
Cut and Place in Tins: Use a round cutter to cut out circles of dough and place them into a greased muffin tin or tart pan, pressing gently to fit.
Fill with Mixture: Pour the filling mixture into each pastry shell, filling them about 3/4 full to allow for expansion.
Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the tops are lightly browned.
Cool: Allow the butter tarts to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve: Enjoy your butter tarts warm or at room temperature!